In an unexpected turn of events, Greece dropped its clean record in the UEFA Nations League losing 0-1 to Aphrodite’s island. It was a historic win for Cyprus, the first time ever it has beaten Greece in a competitive match.
Cyprus avoided a relegation playoff to League D. Despite their defeat, Greece secured first place in the group and will be in League B next season.
On the debut of Georgian manager Temuri Ketsbaia on the Cypriot bench, the host played a clever game, dominating play from the 15th to the 45th minute.
In that spell Cyprus had two great chances and and found a goal as the Greek defence failed to coordinate during the first half.
A majestic through ball by Pieros Sotiriou in the 18th minute was picked up by Marinos Tzionis after receiving a pass from Grigoris Kastanos and scoring past Greece’s Odysseas Vlachodimos.
The closest Greece got to score was a long-range shot by substitute Taxiarchis Fountas but Cyprus keeper Kostas Panayi saved the day deflecting off the crossbar.
Greece’s Fotis Ioannidis made another threatening pass but Panayi warded off the attack once again.
Four minutes from the end another long-range shot by Fountas found its way to the net, but was ruled offside.